Earning and using frequent flier miles

1. Apply for frequent flyer accounts with any airline you fly on, plan to fly on, or whose destinations appeal to you. Visit Web sites to see which airlines offer the most attractive rewards, and the best terms. Mile redemption requirements vary by airline. Don't assume a mile is a mile -- it's not. Manage as few or as many as you like, but try to group miles and card choices around destinations you most prefer. Airline choices vary greatly and their mileage partners will be listed on their Web sites, along with current earning opportunities. Many cards offer sign-up bonuses. Some airlines grant bonus miles or free upgrades, once you reach a specific annual mileage balance.

2. Obtain a credit card that offers miles. If you carry only one, make it the one that offers the destinations most attractive to you. Most cards carry annual fees and you won't get bargain interest rates. But if you manage your credit and balances, this won't be an issue, and it will pay off. Down payments on new cars, federal and state taxes, furniture, utility bills, groceries, and a multitude of other payments and purchases can be paid while earning miles.

3. Finance your home using a lender that partners with a frequent flyer program. Refinancing is another option to earn mileage. Reward miles often add up to enough for a single round-trip domestic ticket. Typical offers return 1,000 miles for every $10,000 financed.

4. Buy or sell your home using a broker through airline frequent flyer programs.

5. Always use a frequent flyer number when you purchase any airline ticket. Present it at check-in to be sure it's recorded for every flight. Mail it in after-the-fact if you forgot it, or didn't take advantage of a program partner.

6. Hotels offer miles for their own programs in major chains, and many allow you to claim credit with your favorite airline instead. Choose your hotels accordingly when it makes sense. Hotels big and small, economy and luxury are all offered, but mostly within the big chains.

7. Car rentals offer miles either a one-time amount, or by the day. Check with any car rental agency before you rent, and be sure to present the card number when you make the reservation, and when you check-in. If you pay separately, present it at payment time to be sure the mileage program is noted. Airline sites will show their partners to see if they award miles for any program. Keep a recorded list of your frequent flyer program numbers with you, in case you forget the card.

8. Follow-up on mileage awards to make sure you receive them. Save copies of documentation to prove your claim if you have to request credit. Boarding passes, hotel receipts, and cruise itineraries are examples. Put your frequent flyer program in writing to a mortgage lender or real estate agent when contracting on a mileage referral. If it is not part of the application, include a memo stating the referral and frequent flyer account number with the application or contract submission, and write it on the form. Keep a copy and record good notes regarding discrepancies and your follow-up.

9. Watch for special promotions in the mail or in your statements and take advantage of them. Examples include double miles for credit card purchases for a specific timeline or establishments, or in combination for a flight and automobile rental. Long distance telephone or cellular service providers award miles for some markets. Cruise lines and chain destination resorts are other examples. Airlines flying international routes will offer mileage bonuses for specific destinations, class of service. Plan carefully to get the most mileage. Some airlines honor only specific parts of a flight and not every segment. Only the fine print will spell out the restrictions and details.

10. Read your statements and know exactly what your frequent flyer program offers, and watch for changes and special promotions. Without monthly activity, you must check the online Web site in person for most programs. Sign-up for online mileage statements to help you remember.

Courtney Caldwell is editor in chief of American Woman Road & Travel magazine. For more information, visit at www.roadandtravel.com.